Friday, 24 July 2015

Where to Eat in Cordoba, Seville, Spain

La Mezquita, Cordoba

The number one attraction in the beautiful town of Cordoba is La Mezquita, a beautiful building that once was a mosque, but has since turned into a Catholic cathedral. The architecture is stunning in that both the old and the newer remain, working in harmony to create one incredible space. Once you've spent a few hours in awe taking in the dazzling beauty, there are plenty of good spots to eat in the surrounding area. Three dishes that you must hunt down typical to the region are salmorejo (similar to gazpacho but thicker), el rabo de toro (stewed oxtail), and flamenquin (deep fried pork ham and loin wrapped in egg and breadcrumbs). Here The Yum List offers our finds (guided by some local recommendations) for:

Where to Eat in Cordoba

Right outside La Mezquita is Bodegas Mezquita. This stylish restaurant and tapas bar serves up some delicious local specialties in a smart setting. You can try the original or versions of the chilled thick soup Salmorejo here - we detoured from tradition and went with the blanquiverde - basil and almond creams producing a dual coloured soup. It's also a good spot to try the Rabo del Toro where flesh is stewed until wickedly succulent and accompanied by crisp steak fries.

Rabo del Toro - Bodegas Mezquita

Salmorejo Blanquiverde - Bodegas Mezquita

Also a few steps away from the main attraction is Taberna El Anticuario. The early evening is the best time of day to enjoy a meal here. A lovely semi-enclosed garden is framed with vines growing on trellises and potted geraniums hanging from the walls. The open roof offers fresh air and blue skies and the menu features traditional recipes from the region.

Taberna El Anticuario

Spinach and Garbanzos - Taberna El Anticuario

Stewed Beef - Taberna El Anticuario

Sweet Wine with the Bill

An institution just around the corner from both of these is Taberna Pepe de la Juderia. Featured in the Michelin Guide, it's a favourite with both locals and tourists. The fried eggplant was recommended to us by a Cordoba native and it was well received. A list of regional wines too was much appreciated.

Salmorejo - Taberna Pepe de la Juderia

Fried Eggplant - Taberna Pepe de la Juderia

For those willing to venture a little out of the tourist district, one of the most stylish cafes in town is found in SOJO Fusion. Local recipes are given new life with chef Daniel Pa. The atmosphere is distinctively light, bright and modern and the food has flair to match. When you've had your fill of dark taverns and bodegas, SOJO Fusion makes a great change. Don't miss chef's versions of artichokes, flamenquin and a so-delicious-it's-hard-to-conceive Carmen Miranda dessert.

Artichoke - SOJO Fusion

A Creative Twist on Flamenquin - SOJO Fusion

Carmen Miranda Dessert - SOJO Fusion

By the same group, and just down the street, you can find SOJO Ribera, a bar with a first floor patio showcasing peaceful views of the river. It's a great perch for an afternoon drink.

11 comments:

Such a region and so steeped in history - the Romans and the Moors and the influences of theirconquering days in the architecture.The food looks great - except I noticed on two meat dishes - Rabo del Toro and another that the chipswould have not passed my test - they looked like the sauce or juice would have made them "sloppy"!I think the waiter and I would have had to have held a long discussion on just where those chips were to beplaced - maybe on another plate!!! May have horrified the chef but I would have persisted - ha ha.

Doesn't that road to Cordoba remind you of the wine, sheep, cattle and horse stud region of theareas around the Barossa and Clare regions of South Australia???

Great report with all included - food, visual rural area and the incredible architecture.Well done Monica Cordobes of Cordoba in sunny Spain.I hope T.O.H. has a sense of humour - changing your surname???? ha ha.CheersThe other Andalusian riding El Colin Cordobes.

I'm not a fan of fries either. I'd much rather some crusty bread to sop up some sauce, or a crisp salad to cut through it.Oh, the region is so similar to SA - particularly the 'long way' from Adelaide to the Barossa through the mountains. Arriba España!

Very nice presentations and your photos are captivating. I have not eaten Spanish food (at least to my knowledge), but if it is hot and spicy, which I think it may be, I am not a fan of such foods. I do love Greek cuisine though, and the best lamb chops I have ever had were prepared in a Greek restaurant. Absolutely scrumptious and tender, cooked to perfection. :)

Most Spanish cuisine is very mildly spiced - full flavoured but not with much heat. Cold cuts and cheeses are typical Spanish snacks you've probably had. You might have tried a potato omelette too, which is traditionally Spanish?